Judge Rules Federal Rule On Gender Discrimination Violates Catholic Beliefs

A federal judge ruled that an HHS rule violates the religious beliefs of the Catholic Benefits Association. The rule required association members to perform transgender procedures, conflicting with their sincerely held religious beliefs. Judge Welte permanently blocked HHS from enforcing the rule against the association and its current members. The ruling also prevents the EEOC from requiring coverage for transgender procedures. The case revolves around Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, prohibiting sex-based discrimination. HHS had previously interpreted this to include gender identity, mandating transgender procedures if similar services were offered. The Catholic Benefits Association argued this infringed on their religious freedom. While HHS argued for a religious exemption process, the judge found it insufficient. The judge sided with the government regarding pregnancy-related condition coverage. The block on gender discrimination enforcement does not extend to future association members.